This simple but effective apple cider vinegar hair rinse is a brilliant natural cleanser I got from The Apple Cider Vinegar Companion by Suzy Scherr. I've been using this cleanser a lot this summer as I've been spending time out in the sun at the beach, on the lake, and hiking in the sunshine. I've been swimming in salt water and chlorinated water, and I feel like my hair has been taking a thrashing.
Have you ever noticed that no matter how much you shampoo your hair (even with your…

We've been blending up this 10-minute vegan pea and mint soup in our blender a lot this summer because it has been so hot in L.A! We live in a bungalow built in the 1930's, and while the house is fully air-conditioned, the air vent that the previous owners placed just outside the opening to the kitchen when they installed the central air conditioning really only cools the dining room.
So, unfortunately the cool air doesn't reach the kitchen. In addition to the less-than-perfect…

This dairy-free almond ricotta comes from The Easy Vegan Cookbook by Kathy Hester. In this book, Kathy shares super easy plant-based dishes you can whip up quickly with no fuss. This is an extremely accessible cookbook with very simple recipes that anybody can make with very skills and even less time. So, this is a great introductory cookbook for people wanting to make plant-based recipes.
I love the fun way the recipes are organized. Kathy shares "Make-Ahead Staples" like golden…

This vegan green goddess dressing is on regular rotation in our house because it's super easy to throw together, and is oh, so tasty. What I love about this salad dressing is that you can use a variety of herb combinations depending on what you have on hand.
For the mayo, I use my raw mayo, Sir Kensington's Fabanise, or Vegenaise. But, you can use whatever you have. I think this herb combo is crazy-amazing. But, play around and find what works for you.

I developed this vegan banana cardamom lassi for the Silk Recipe Center earlier this year, and I had to share it with you because it is so decadent and delicious, and really refreshing in the hot summer weather.
I absolutely love a good lassi. It takes me back to my travels in India as a child - pre dairy-free living. I love the tang and the creaminess, and the fact that you can make these yogurt drinks in endless flavors using a variety of frozen fruits, herbs, and spices.
I shared…

This roasted garlic, broccoli, and pine nut pasta is quickly becoming a summer staple in our house. It is really easy, super delicious, and is so rich and creamy you'd never know it was dairy-free!
I got inspired to create this dish earlier this year when my sister and I spent a week together eating our way around New York City, and going to theater shows. The trip was my gift to her for her 40th birthday. It was so much fun, and so amazing to spend that quality time together.
Our…

We're serving vegan BLT's for our 4th of July party. Well, I guess we should call them TLT's because I'm using tempeh bacon. And, wow, is it amazing!
When I shot this recipe with my creative team - Trent Lanz and Alicia Buszczak, they absolutely freaked out and couldn't believe how much it tasted like real bacon. We made vegan BLT's for lunch that day with toasted gluten-free bread, this gluten-free tempeh bacon, my homemade mayonnaise, and some lettuce and tomato. Oh....they were so…

My family and I are addicted to these baked polenta fingers and marinara sauce. We've been making them a lot lately and eating them with a glass of wine on our new deck. Oh...summer nights....you've gotta love them.
As we prepare for our annual 4th of July party (where we watch the Universal Studios fireworks from our balcony) I'm putting this winning dish on this year's menu!
I really love polenta, but it can taste really bland. Typically, truckloads of cheese is stirred through…

Vegan Lentil Quinoa SaladMany of you have messaged me, emailed, tweeted, posted on instagram and facebook asking me for a homemade healthy ketchup recipe. I thought about developing a new ketchup recipe. But, the recipe in my first book, The Blender Girl is so fabulous I just decided to share it here.
This healthy blended ketchup tastes pretty close to the commercial varieties we're all familiar with but skips the refined sugar and preservatives. Instead, I've used pure maple syrup.…

I can't believe I haven't posted a vegan caesar salad on the site, and this brussels sprout incantation is loaded with nutrients, and super tasty.
I love including raw shredded brussels sprouts in my salads as much as possible because it's the tastiest way to enjoy these nutrient-dense detox superstars. Rich in glucosinolates (detox compounds); antioxidants; vitamins C and K; omega-3 fatty acids; alkaline minerals; and fiber, brussels sprouts help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol,…